tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11791131563534754012011-12-01T05:59:28.127-05:00Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.comBlogger3771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-27254229435511158912011-04-05T12:58:00.000-04:002011-04-05T12:58:12.846-04:00

To celebrate Earth Month the Lower East Side Ecology Center is offering chances to recycle your electronics in all five boroughs. Here are the upcoming recycling events in Brooklyn. April 09, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Poly Prep Country Day School, 9216 Seventh Ave., Bay Ridge April 10, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sephardic Community Center, 1901 Ocean Parkway, Sheepshead Bay April 30, 2011

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-41182688883369182612011-03-24T15:58:00.001-04:002011-03-24T16:48:28.383-04:00

MillionTreesNYC will be giving away free trees at six Brooklyn locations now through June. Residents can attend any of the giveaways to pick up one free trees per household. Simple tree planting and caring instructions come with every tree, you just need a place to plant, a shovel and access to water. Trees can be planted on private properties such as front and back yards, community gardens and

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-55843355840163890772011-03-24T14:44:00.000-04:002011-03-24T14:44:19.124-04:00

Local environmental superheroes the Brooklyn Green Team will be hosting a party tonight with Brooklyn Green Drinks benefiting environmental non-profit GrowNYC. At 7 p.m. at Lowlands bar in Gowanus, the event will feature a silent auction, a DJ, organic wine and beer specials and a special cocktail in honor of the celebration.

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-10577935976919218542011-03-16T17:34:00.001-04:002011-03-16T17:35:01.124-04:00

Here are some pictures of the recently-installed solar-powered electric vehicle charging station at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 1. It was donated to the park by Brooklyn-based renewable energy developer Beautiful Earth Group (BE) and is constructed of two recycled steel shipping containers stacked on top of each other — acquired from a New York vendor.    The charging station is completely

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-83032688543109720572011-03-04T13:26:00.000-05:002011-03-04T13:26:12.344-05:00

If you're like me, every time you throw out food scraps or egg shells, you feel a little guilty. But I don't have a worm bin, and to be honest, it grosses me out a little (yeah, I read and saw No Impact Man, I know about all the bugs you get when you compost in your apartment. Otherwise I'd jump on that bandwagon). So I'm super happy about GrowNYC's new composting program. City Council Speaker

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-73073730763515736002011-03-01T13:40:00.001-05:002011-03-01T13:42:12.620-05:00

It’s been a long, rough winter, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is offering a “Chase Away the Winter Blues” tour this coming Sunday, March 6 at 1 p.m. From BBG’s web site: Science has developed some understanding of what causes the “winter blues” — and more important, what helps keep them at bay. Exposure to daylight, even on a cloudy day, can help restore energy, alertness, and contentment

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-8655700820259862992011-02-17T12:53:00.000-05:002011-02-17T12:53:28.644-05:00

New York Outperforms Nation Thursday the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) released the 2010 National Environmental Scorecard, which evaluates how members of Congress vote on environmental, public health and energy issues. There were six different Senate votes and nine different House votes on the 2010 scorecard on issues ranging from clean energy to public health protections to lands

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-71051479603521087792011-02-15T14:44:00.001-05:002011-02-17T12:54:54.916-05:00

Before Feb. 1, the Brooklyn Public Library sent out 25,000 pieces of correspondence a month, just informing members of holds and overdue materials, said spokesperson Malika Granville. These paper reminders ended at the beginning of the month, when the library rolled out a new electronic system. Members sign up to receive reminders via email or text message. “We wanted to find a way to communicate

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-39587481870449186392011-02-02T11:31:00.001-05:002011-02-15T14:41:28.001-05:00

Looking to get rid of some clothes or housewares? In the mood for a wardrobe or home makeover on a budget? On Saturday, Feb. 26, GrowNYC, a non-profit geared toward improving the quality of life in the five boroughs through environmental programs, will offer a Stop 'N' Swap in the M.S. 113 lobby in Fort Greene from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members of the community are invited to bring unwanted but still

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-87751159431427557242011-01-19T17:01:00.000-05:002011-01-19T17:01:25.733-05:00

This Sunday, Jan. 23, from 2 to 5 p.m., join Parents For Climate Protection, the New York League of Conservation Voters, NYPIRG, Transportation Alternatives, Park Slope Parents, and the Brooklyn Food Coalition at Congregation Beth Elohim for Climate Awareness Day. The featured speaker will be Liz Butler, campaign director of 1Sky, the largest collaborative climate and energy campaign in the

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-15213876546128481542011-01-10T12:14:00.002-05:002011-01-11T20:27:53.449-05:00

Yesterday we brought our Christmas tree to the Prospect Heights Community Farm at 252-256 St Marks Ave. for MulchFest. We were told that our tree was the 232nd collected at the farm over the course of the weekend. As we were walking away, two more trees were being brought to the drop-off location. According to the Parks Department, 16,665 trees were mulched this year, with Brooklyn bringing in

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-34502219569987820142011-01-04T13:46:00.000-05:002011-01-04T13:46:37.322-05:00

This Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 8 and 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring you holiday tree to a designated city park to be recycled into mulch. The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the New York City Department of Sanitation, and GreeNYC are teaming up again for MulchFest. The wood chips generated will be used to nourish trees and plants on streets and gardens citywide. You can also

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-4746216213651624782010-12-21T16:23:00.001-05:002010-12-21T18:06:33.636-05:00

The New York Restoration Project (NYRP), in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, announced the planting of 74 new trees in Maria Hernandez Park in Bushwick. These trees replace the more than 50 large, caliper trees that were lost as a result of the tornado that devastated parts of New York City on Sept. 16. The Bryant Park Corporation and 34th Street Partnership

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-74522019731449949252010-12-10T15:56:00.000-05:002010-12-10T15:56:52.919-05:00

The Brooklyn Green Team has entered month two of its new eco-challenge — the no new clothing challenge. The group is supporting local shops owned by locals that dig out wearable treasures from past and present. Among the stats they list as encouragement: the 12 to 15 percent of people who shopped at consignment and thrift stores in 2006 saved 2.5 billion pounds of clothes from re-entering the

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-8331668479197211542010-12-09T14:15:00.000-05:002010-12-09T14:15:39.055-05:00

Film Biz Recycling takes props and furniture from New York City’s movie, TV and commercial productions that would normally be thrown out and either sells them or donates them to charities and supply shops. Tomorrow, Dec. 10, Film Biz Recycling will open on 540 President St. in Gowanus after relocating from Long Island City, Queens. But tonight, from 4 to 8 p.m., the store is opening its doors

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-52290202990243800082010-12-08T14:25:00.000-05:002010-12-08T14:25:45.832-05:00

St. John’s Bread & Life, the largest soup kitchen in Brooklyn, is currently seeking donations for its 13th annual Sponsor-A-Family holiday drive, which provides toys to more than 5,500 children and a Christmas meal to more than 2,000 families. This year, the food given to those families will be locally sourced from three farms in upstate New York. Among the items provided to each family will be

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-68776912842260164712010-12-07T18:29:00.000-05:002010-12-07T18:29:22.135-05:00

Since it's proven unrealistic to blog every time I visit a greenmarket — or expect to diligently visit the greenmarket every week — I've decided to label these posts according to theme, this one being my family's recent Hanukkah celebration. My chosen/assigned dishes: potato latkes and applesauce. Our party was Sunday, so a trip to the GAP Greenmarket on Saturday gave me ample time to prepare. I

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-6535710619299357092010-12-06T17:54:00.000-05:002010-12-06T17:54:09.855-05:00

Sustainable Flatbush has announced a partnership with the not-for-profit Community Environmental Center (CEC) to conduct neighborhood-based outreach for their weatherization and energy efficiency programs. Implementing energy solutions locally is an essential part of Sustainable Flatbush’s mission of creating a sustainable urban community in Brooklyn. With CEC's support, Sustainable Flatbush

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-58031952513334714582010-11-29T17:36:00.003-05:002010-11-29T17:51:31.837-05:00

Whole Foods is now officially moving to Brooklyn — on Third Avenue and Third Street in Gowanus, with groundbreaking expected in 2012 — and the project is planned to have several green elements.  According to a statement issued by the company, the store will feature parking for energy-efficient vehicles, as well as specially designated recharging stations for electric powered vehicles. The parking

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-82580074376949528902010-11-22T16:41:00.000-05:002010-11-22T16:41:27.684-05:00

Williamsburg florist Rose Red & Lavender, owned by Kimberly Sevilla (who was given an award for green entrepreneurship last year around this time), has begun offering living holiday trees in addition to their regular selection of fresh cut trees. After the holidays are over, instead of discarding the tree, a living tree can be planted outside, either in a planter or in the ground. Rose Red &

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-23964622290768735062010-11-16T14:00:00.000-05:002010-11-16T14:00:46.917-05:00

This Friday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 21, Brooklyn College will host the first annual Black Farms and Urban Gardeners Conference, The nation's first conference to address the issues of food, farming and policy solutions for the black community. Farmers, gardeners, activists, students and community leaders from across the nation will come to Brooklyn. Most conference events will take place on

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-29247987771366018912010-11-15T14:51:00.004-05:002010-11-15T18:31:03.311-05:00

Two years ago, due to budget cuts, New York City stopped collecting leaves separate from garbage. In response, a Park Slope community garden called 6/15 Green decided to expand its already large composting center to accept leaves from non-members, in order to divert those leaves from the landfills. That year the garden collected one-and-a-half tons of leaves. Last year 6/15 Green teamed up with

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-82312753686445397332010-11-15T12:53:00.000-05:002010-11-15T12:53:13.458-05:00

Tomorrow night the Green Theatre Collective (GCT), a Brooklyn-based theater group that uses minimal resources to perform in natural environments, will hold a benefit for its inaugural season. The benefit will be at Pianos NYC at 158 Ludlow St. in the Lower East Side of Manhattan from 7 to 10 p.m. Attendees will hear live music from Reuben Chess of the band Quintus, Acoustic Electra and Sara

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-43648214671548965742010-11-05T07:41:00.000-04:002010-11-05T07:41:25.018-04:00

Recently I met with Ken Kinzer (above), a dry cleaner who has locations on Front Street in DUMBO and Court Street in Cobble Hill. After telling me about GreenEarth Cleaning, one of the methods he uses to dry clean — the other is wet cleaning, which simulates hand washing — I told him about a memory I have from when I was younger and got a sweater back from the cleaners. I smelled it, wanting to

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-72641753955838508622010-11-05T07:40:00.000-04:002010-11-05T07:40:48.026-04:00

Back in September GrowNYC — a non-profit geared toward improving the quality of life in the five boroughs through environmental programs — launched The Million Pound Challenge. This challenge calls on New Yorkers to bring unwanted or worn out clothes to eight weekly drop-off sites, with the goal of reaching the million pound mark by Dec. 31. Instead of going to waste, materials are sorted and

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-13256952296287387252010-11-04T16:29:00.000-04:002010-11-04T16:29:16.862-04:00

Well readers, it happens to the best of us: I've fallen off the blog train, as I have in the past and probably will again. But I really have been going to the GAP Greenmarket (though we did miss two weeks due to yet more weddings). On Oct. 23, we stopped by on the way to a pumpkin carving gathering at Lowlands Bar in Gowanus, in the hopes of getting a pumpkin. Not only did we get a regular

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-67024308505325620712010-10-25T13:52:00.000-04:002010-10-25T13:52:12.185-04:00

Mayor Bloomberg today broke ground on a new Sims Municipal Recycling Facility that will serve as the principal processing facility for all of the City’s metal, glass, and plastic recyclables. The new, state-of-the-art facility is located at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park and will create 100 new jobs when opened, which is expected in December 2011.  “This recycling facility

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-30971989467979878552010-10-20T22:47:00.000-04:002010-10-20T22:47:26.972-04:00

On Sunday, Oct. 24, Sustainable Flatbush will host its second annual Fall Street Tree Walking Tour, an opportunity to enjoy beautiful and local fall foliage in Brooklyn's historic Victorian Flatbush. The neighborhood is filled with a variety of street trees, including some that are more than 100 years old. Tour guides this year will be Sam Bishop of Trees NY and neighborhood resident Chris

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-53356406364741943052010-10-20T15:06:00.002-04:002010-10-20T15:08:13.093-04:00

Six months ago Windsor Terrace resident and actor Hal Fickett (pictured below) founded the Green Theatre Collective (GTC), combining his “love for theater with an interest in the green movement.” GTC’s mission is to use minimal resources to perform captivating stories in natural environments, he explained. Each show will be performed during the day, outside in a green space, which eliminates

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-38259490902854492982010-10-07T17:32:00.000-04:002010-10-07T17:32:15.419-04:00

This fall semester, through its Division of Continuing Education, New York City College of Technology (City Tech) is offering several courses geared toward sustainability: Intro to Urban Farming: Wednesday, Oct. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m., $40 Wind Power Workshop: Thursdays, Oct. 14 through Dec. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m., $375 Urban Energy Seminar: Saturday, Nov. 13 from 1 to 5 p.m., $40 Energy – Savers

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-15382231195441883072010-10-07T17:16:00.002-04:002010-10-07T17:32:54.436-04:00

We had this past Saturday all planned out: we were going to walk over to the Botanic Garden for the Chile Pepper Fiesta then hit up the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket. A good plan, in theory, but a slow morning led to a late start to the Fiesta. Of course, even though I tack it on the end of every Fresh Finds post, I couldn't remember the hours of the greenmarket. Did it end at 4, or 6? (It ends at

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-22253787535887464222010-10-01T15:10:00.000-04:002010-10-01T15:10:19.500-04:00

Mayor Bloomberg this week released the 2010 Inventory of New York City Greenhouse Gas Emissions, the City’s fourth annual comprehensive carbon inventory. The entire city, including the City government, reduced emissions in 2009 below 2008 levels, putting the City on track to achieve the carbon reduction goals in PlaNYC, the Mayor’s long-term vision for a greener, greater New York. In 2009, New

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-72707587470978106752010-09-30T17:51:00.000-04:002010-09-30T17:51:22.896-04:00

Brooklyn Bridge Park will team up with the Lower East Side Ecology Center to host an E-Waste Recycling Event this Saturday, Oct. 2nd. The event will take place at Pier 1 on Furman Street, between Old Fulton and Doughty Streets. Residents and small businesses (50 employees or smaller) are invited to stop by and bring their unwanted electronics such as working and non-working computers (laptops,

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-25707062049695467552010-09-23T16:17:00.002-04:002010-09-23T16:21:42.737-04:00

I happily loaded my two empty Ronnybrook milk bottles into my tote bags this past Saturday for my usual jaunt to the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket. I was looking forward to not only the Ronnybrook Farm Dairy stand, where I would return said bottles for a new one (this being for the milk-drinker in my household) and also purchase a quart of yogurt, but I was also hoping for more sausage from Flying

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-63428480371719862322010-09-22T16:10:00.000-04:002010-09-22T16:10:24.667-04:00

Following the success of last year's "Green Brooklyn...Green City" fair at Borough Hall, GrowNYC will hold "New Green City" at Union Square Park's South Plaza on September 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free, day-long event will feature a one-day textile collection, interactive exhibits, DIY tutorials, multi-media art exhibits and the Union Square Greenmarket.

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-91095215551489741762010-09-16T14:04:00.001-04:002010-09-16T14:06:05.708-04:00

Click here to go to a carbon footprint calculator on the Nature Conservancy's website. You fill in information about whether or not you use Energy Star appliances, what your most frequent mode of transportation is and whether or not you recycle, among other things. The number that's generated is your estimated greenhouse gas emissions in tons of carbon dioxide. It's pretty cool, and you can see

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-22359157718327570592010-09-16T13:41:00.000-04:002010-09-16T13:41:05.876-04:00

On Oct. 2, local non-profit GreenHomeNYC will hold a free block party — "The NEW New York GreenHomeNYC's DIY Green Street Festival" — focusing on teaching New Yorkers how to green the built environment. It will take place on Third Street between Hoyt and Bond streets in Carroll Gardens, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the day, attendees will have opportunities to learn how to install and plant a

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-75205353862437340752010-09-15T18:17:00.001-04:002010-09-15T18:18:32.502-04:00

This past Saturday, I was forced to wait at home all day for the DirecTV tech. Alas, I couldn't make it to the GAP Greenmarket. Not wanting to go another week without farm fresh produce (gasp), I made a quick trip yesterday to the Borough Hall Greenmarket, which is close to my office. Facing limited options at this particular market on this particular day, I came away with tomatoes and onions

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-41544661194719340072010-09-14T18:23:00.000-04:002010-09-14T18:23:26.753-04:00

In a panel entitled, “It Ain’t Easy Being Green” at the Brooklyn Book Festival this past Sunday — moderated by Ted Hamm, founding editor of the political journal Brooklyn Rail — environmentalists Colin Beaven (No Impact Man), Heather Rogers (Green Gone Wrong) and Anna Lappé (Diet For a Hot Planet) gathered to speak about the green movement. Before starting the discussion, I was happy to notice

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-60681440953980855132010-09-13T14:03:00.001-04:002010-09-13T14:09:21.810-04:00

Pictured here, celebrity chef Wylie Dufresne — executive chef of Manhattan eatery wd~50 — prepares a poached egg during the Farm City Fair inside the Invisible Dog Art Center in Cobble Hill. Though I'm not a fan of eggs that aren't cooked through (yes, I know, I should have sucked it up and ate an egg that Wylie Dufresne made), I was told it "tasted like runny yolk but it wasn't runny," and was

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-86510918671122632522010-09-09T13:06:00.001-04:002010-09-09T13:20:10.362-04:00

The Brooklyn Book Festival returns to Borough Hall for the fifth year this Sunday, Sept. 12. Among the many events will be a panel entitled "It Ain't Easy Being Green," in which experts will discuss whether sustainable environmental practices are really helping save the planet. With Colin Beavan (No Impact Man), Heather Rogers (Green Gone Wrong), Anna Lappé (Diet for a Hot Planet) and Miyun Park

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-18292489095585361202010-09-09T11:55:00.000-04:002010-09-09T11:55:09.808-04:00

On my trip to Chicago for Labor Day weekend, I wasn't missing the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket for long: my Chicago friends took me to the Green City Market at the south end of Lincoln Park, right near the Lincoln Park Zoo. Though we didn't buy anything since we were going to be out all day, I thought I'd share some photos of the market. (The salsa pictured above was delicious.) The Chicago

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-61252594315511099592010-09-03T15:28:00.000-04:002010-09-03T15:28:28.976-04:00

On Sunday, September 12, the Invisible Dog Art Center and Crossing the Line will present Farm City Fair curated by Derek Denckla. The fair is a celebration of art and food grown in Brooklyn and will be held at the Invisible Dog at 51 Bergen Street and along Bergen Street. Some activities throughout the day:  • Brooklyn farms such as Added Value, Rooftop Farms, and bk farmyards will sell their

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-52114633347669780162010-09-03T14:53:00.000-04:002010-09-03T14:53:37.192-04:00

Green Brooklyn updates from blogs and news sources around the web The Birds on That Brooklyn Rooftop? Chickens [The Atlantic]  Two Farms That Supply Local Greenmarkets Reap Inspection Violations [NY 1] And from the Eagle: "Green" Cannonball Project Fires Up Third Ave. Festival Upcoming Chamber’s RED Nite To Be Held At First LEED Platinum Building in Brooklyn

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-17533674445592408582010-09-02T15:20:00.002-04:002010-09-02T15:23:54.324-04:00

This past Saturday the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket was packed. It was a beautiful day and we left laden with food, since this time I came more prepared (read: I brought along my favorite helper). As for produce, we bought a red pepper, some potatoes and some cherry tomatoes from Cedar Hill Farm/Kernan Farms, who are in Cumberland County, NJ. We also got fennel and garlic from Bradley Farms,

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-2817351783109851852010-08-26T16:00:00.000-04:002010-08-26T16:00:44.966-04:00

Check out this feature in the New York Times on Sean Meenan, owner of Fort Greene eco-friendly restaurant Habana Outpost. Among the local hot spot's sustainable elements are "solar panels, a rainwater-collection system that feeds the toilets, a recycling and composting station, wheat-board wall paneling, corn-based plastic cups and a blender powered by a bicycle." According to the Times, Meenan

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-80828232938518611382010-08-26T12:56:00.002-04:002010-08-26T13:00:22.267-04:00

New York City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken another interim step in the process to establish a Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway — a 14-mile, multi-use, off-road path spanning from Greenpoint all the way down to Sunset Park. DOT has completed a new 2-way bike lane on Flushing Avenue from Williamsburg Street to Navy Street along the length of the Brooklyn Navy Yard — featuring a

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-58795654122357176072010-08-25T17:53:00.002-04:002010-08-26T13:53:30.714-04:00

Lately, it seems as though so many people talk about fresh, local or organic food that everyone must have access to it. In fact, there are neighborhoods in New York City that can be characterized as “food deserts” — areas with little or no access to food needed to maintain a healthy diet. This is where Adopt-A-Farmbox comes in. A new project of Bed-Stuy couple Aki and Ronald Baker through their

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-79892691786348174142010-08-23T13:49:00.003-04:002010-08-23T13:59:28.967-04:00

So last week I moved to Brooklyn. I won't tell you where I lived before — I'll just say that it took me over an hour by train to get to the Eagle office in Brooklyn Heights and that there were little to no local food options in my neighborhood. Now, the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket is just two subway stops (or a nice walk) away from my apartment! While I'm not brave enough or dedicated enough to

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-74213304651625684532010-08-20T17:33:00.000-04:002010-08-20T17:33:02.017-04:00

This morning, installation artist Patrick Dougherty (above center), who creates whimsical woven structures from saplings and twigs, completed the first site-specific sculpture to ever be commissioned by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG).  Dougherty began construction of the large-scale sculpture on Aug. 5 in the Plant Family Collection meadow, and over the next three weeks enlisted the help of

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-45803912455618108222010-08-12T16:39:00.000-04:002010-08-12T16:39:31.505-04:00

The Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation (SBIDC) launched the first ever "Green Truck Convoy" Tuesday. The convoy traveled through streets of South Brooklyn — starting at the SBIDC’s Red Hook office at 402 Van Brunt St. and ending at Sahadi Fine Foods at 43rd and First Avenue in Sunset Park — and included trucks from several Brooklyn businesses that use sustainable technologies

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-73357603773510016622010-08-12T14:32:00.000-04:002010-08-12T14:32:32.377-04:00

Yesterday Morton's the Steakhouse, in collaboration with brides.com, held a bridal fashion show at its location in Downtown Brooklyn. The two Brooklyn-based designers who showed bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and mother-of-the-bride dresses were Himane Inc. and Valentina Bridal. Himane's pieces, designed by Catherine Edouard Charlot, are one-of-a-kind and made from completely recycled materials

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-51209968767055059122010-08-06T15:24:00.000-04:002010-08-06T15:24:15.247-04:00

Every year, the Vanderveer Place Block Association enters its block — on Vanderveer Place between Flatbush Avenue and East 23rd Street in Flatbush — in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s (BBG) Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest. And every year, the block comes in first, second or third. “We are passionate about this contest,” said Olivia Avery, president of the block association. This year,

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-48760879519173123532010-08-05T12:15:00.001-04:002010-08-05T12:15:59.331-04:00

More than 60 people attended the Bay Ridge Food Co-op Potluck Picnic last Sunday, marking the first year of the co-op’s membership drive. Intended to raise awareness of this September's "New York State Locavore Challenge," the picnic was held at Shore Road and 79th Street. Those in attendance brought food made of all locally sourced ingredients. Photo courtesy of the Bay Ridge Food Co-op

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-61009285941557642922010-08-05T12:05:00.000-04:002010-08-05T12:05:09.544-04:00

Residents in Bed-Stuy have limited options when it comes to organic and locally produced foods; eight in 10 food stores in the neighborhood are reported to be bodegas. In response to this lack, two women, Darell Brown and Evelyn Oliver, together founded Organic Bed-Stuy, a grocery that will not only bring organic foods to the under-served neighborhood, but will also educate residents about

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-87776042301546787962010-08-02T16:20:00.002-04:002010-08-02T16:20:50.522-04:00

Last Thursday the City Council passed a package of legislation that represents the first significant expansion of the city’s recycling program since it was created in 1989. Currently, the city only collects numbers 1 and 2 plastics, limited mostly to bottles and jugs. The new legislation would require the Department of Sanitation (DOS) to collect all rigid plastic containers, including yogurt

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-36475241629860934192010-07-29T15:56:00.000-04:002010-07-29T15:56:58.693-04:00

This Sunday, August 1, the Bay Ridge Food Co-op will celebrate its first "birthday" (in quotations because it's not exactly started yet) with a potluck picnic of local food from noon to 4 p.m. at Shore Road and 79th Street. Intended to raise awareness of this September's “New York State Locavore Challenge,” the picnic will feature a kids’ balloon toss, tug-of-war, and a kickball game, among other

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-10892912147414045912010-07-29T14:48:00.001-04:002010-07-30T12:57:23.223-04:00

Bring your clean, dry plastic to the Coop on the second Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the third Thursday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. and the last Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here is what’s collected: • Numbers 1 and 6 clear plastics — mouth is wide or wider than the body, meaning not bottles. Labels okay. • Number 5 — plastic tubs, cups and specifically

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-47346005492637128482010-07-29T14:14:00.000-04:002010-07-29T14:14:30.420-04:00

This Saturday, July 31, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ocean survey vessel, the OSV BOLD, will be open to the public at Riverbank State Park in Manhattan from noon to 4:30 p.m. EPA scientists and staff will give tours of the ship and demonstrate water sampling and research efforts taking place in New Jersey’s and New York’s coastal waters. The 224-foot-long, 43-foot-wide OSV

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-3382812394726805782010-07-29T11:02:00.000-04:002010-07-29T11:02:23.393-04:00

The EnviroMedia Mobile, an urban nature maritime museum on wheels, will visit IKEA/Erie Basin Park on Sunday, August 15, to continue its Summer Earth Fest 2010, a series of environmental awareness, culture and maritime cultural enrichment events. An 11-year project of the Urban Divers Estuary Conservancy under the direction of Ludger Balan, the museum is a way for New Yorkers to “think of our

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-31790355256181538352010-07-26T19:11:00.002-04:002010-07-26T19:15:39.328-04:00

Small businesses may not know that there is a way to reduce the cost of their energy bills, surely higher now given this summer's unusually high temperatures. Con Edison has teamed up with energy consultants Willdan Energy Solutions to help small businesses facing these steep bills through the Con Edison Small Business Energy Efficiency Program. “It’s a great program for small business owners,”

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-22392719517402491992010-07-15T13:57:00.001-04:002010-07-15T17:53:27.882-04:00

Usually, you don’t need extensive training when introducing an animal into your life. When you acquire a dog or a cat, you can play it by ear or get advice from a friend. But what about a chicken? Most of us don’t know the first thing about keeping chickens, which is why the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), in partnership with bk farmyards and Just Food, are presenting a workshop series this

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-23858680365848183812010-07-02T17:33:00.000-04:002010-07-02T17:33:58.995-04:00

During the month of July, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) will highlight the New York Metropolitan region’s native flora, displaying its beauty, explaining its importance, drawing attention to its plight, and providing simple ways to help in its restoration. In 1911, the “Local Flora Section” was the first garden to open to the public at BBG. It’s now known as the Native Flora Garden.

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-24948879248808239232010-06-30T13:58:00.005-04:002010-06-30T18:16:43.024-04:00

Recently I've gotten several e-mails regarding where to drop off electronics for recycling, so I thought I'd devote some blog space to it. Because if you have an old computer, a cell phone or two, or even a TV taking up space in your home, there's always something you can do with it, even if you missed the most recent electronics recycling event that cropped up in your neighborhood. The 4th Bin:

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-47746006998153585982010-06-28T13:11:00.000-04:002010-06-28T13:11:50.457-04:00

Almost 50 volunteers gathered in East New York on Saturday to build a Greenhouse on a recently acquired lot behind Euclid 500 Garden. The participants assembled planters with fruits, vegetable and herbs — which will be donated to a local food bank — and also built picnic tables and painted a mural. The project was sponsored by the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, a foundation whose mission is

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-35735260770709839812010-06-25T16:32:00.001-04:002010-06-25T16:32:41.706-04:00

The recently established Central Brooklyn CSA just had its second week of distribution at the Hebron SDA Church at 1256 Dean St. in Crown Heights. This CSA is one of only a few citywide to accept food stamps/SNAP benefits as a form of payment. The Central Brooklyn site is the fourth CSA organized by the NYC Coalition Against Hunger (NYCCAH). It is located in the 10th Congressional District in

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-79881858362044352772010-06-25T16:13:00.000-04:002010-06-25T16:13:32.667-04:00

The Building Brooklyn Awards, presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, will take place July 15, and as per usual, one of the awards highlights excellence in green design. The National Grid Award for Energy Efficiency this year was given to Toren, the 37-story, 399-foot tall condo building at Myrtle Avenue and Flatbush Avenue Extension that contains 240 units, including studios, one-, two-

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-38633994577548937202010-06-25T14:50:00.001-04:002010-06-25T14:51:55.307-04:00

It's looking pretty green down at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 1, which was recently honored by the Municipal Art Society.  To keep the park looking so lovely, you can join the Green Team, a volunteer stewardship team that provides hands-on care for Brooklyn Bridge Park from April through October. Green Team activities include mulching, planting, removing debris and environmental education, among

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-83027295899120733422010-06-11T17:51:00.000-04:002010-06-11T17:51:58.898-04:00

If you take a tour of Sixpoint Craft Ales in Red Hook, you can expect to see the inner workings of how beer is made, and you’ll be able to sample some of that beer. You’ll also be able to see the chickens that reside in a pen on the roof of the brewery. Yup, Sixpoint keeps chickens. They cluck happily amidst a rooftop garden full of lettuce greens, kale, zucchini, corn, radishes, cauliflower,

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-37691347133026122862010-06-04T22:59:00.000-04:002010-06-04T22:59:52.088-04:00

On Wendesday, the Flatbush Farm Share (FFS), a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) based in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, held its first seasonal produce delivery behind the Flatbush Reformed Church. In an effort to make fresh, organic, local produce accessible to all, FFS uses a sliding scale for payment and subsidizes share for low-income members. Cost runs as low as $6 a week. FFS

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-12756497141704493962010-06-03T16:59:00.000-04:002010-06-03T16:59:55.630-04:00

It was a hot day at the Borough Hall Greenmarket. People milled around, picking up fresh strawberries, asparagus and leafy greens. This greenmarket is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the spring and summer season. Visit www.grownyc.org. for a list of the other greenmarkets in Brooklyn. Visit the Locavore's Guide to New York City to find out what fruits and

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-77314705979124217782010-06-03T14:10:00.000-04:002010-06-03T14:10:32.946-04:00

The Tour de Brooklyn is back for its sixth year and it’s bigger than ever. The 18-mile family-friendly bike tour, which takes a different route through the borough every year, is held by biking advocacy group Transportation Alternatives (TA). TA Spokesperson Wiley Norvell said they expect around 2,500 riders this time around, 500 more than last year. The ride will take place this Sunday, June 6,

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-47134755781680370852010-05-27T15:18:00.001-04:002010-05-27T15:20:16.322-04:00

A new kind of boutique market will launch in Metropolitan Green — a LEED registered green building designed by architect and designer Mark Helder to house pop-up shops — Met Green Markets. Starting this weekend and continuing through June, designers, crafters, food-makers and vintage sellers will offer their wares in Metropolitan Green's space, which has 13-foot ceilings, tall display windows

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-55944635028840323542010-05-27T14:40:00.004-04:002010-05-27T15:03:26.362-04:00

The Brooklyn Heights Association (BHA) is co-sponsoring an e-waste recycling drop-off event on Saturday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, June 6 from noon to 2 p.m. Residential waste only will be accepted at the First Unitarian Church side chapel, 121 Pierrepont St. (between Clinton Street and Monroe Place). Many different items will be accepted, including batteries, cell phones,

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-48021173086104855382010-05-20T17:59:00.003-04:002010-05-21T13:42:00.920-04:00

The Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest is back for its 16th year, and the deadline for entries is Monday, June 1. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Greenbridge program holds the contest every year in cooperation with Borough President Marty Markowitz and with sponsorship by Brooklyn Community Foundation. Brooklyn block, civic, homeowoner and other community organizations can enter to win the

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-80417840077128259762010-05-20T16:59:00.003-04:002010-05-27T15:04:37.404-04:00

Pictured at Fort Greene Park, from left to right are Councilmember Jessica Lappin, Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Councilmember Brad Lander, Eric Gioldstein of the Natural Resources Defense Council, William Alatriste of the New York City Council and Solid Waste Management Committee Chair Letitia James. Legislation was announced to expand recycling in the city's public spaces, including

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-40127843315442077842010-05-20T16:37:00.003-04:002010-05-20T16:44:16.147-04:00

The Coney Island History Project will host an open house this Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Brooklyn Half Marathon participants and their family and friends. All are invited to view historic artifacts, photographs, maps, ephemera and films of Coney Island’s colorful past. Try out the “Cyclone Lounger,” designed by Red Hook’s Uhuru Design, made from ipe wood reclaimed from the Coney

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-89561442026970370022010-05-13T18:08:00.003-04:002010-05-27T15:07:36.257-04:00

Sure, you’ve considered eating foods from local farms that you purchase at greenmarkets or you get through a CSA share. But for one reason or another, you decide not to. You’re too busy, it’s too expensive, or it’s too inconvenient. That’s where Leda Meredith comes in. The Park Slope resident decided in August 2007 to eat almost exclusively foods grown or raised within a 250-mile radius of her

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-21111051088651351382010-05-10T14:15:00.002-04:002010-05-10T14:16:49.105-04:00

Pictured here is Fred Wilklow, owner of Wilklow Orchards upstate in Highland, NY. He has been a staple at the Borough Hall Greenmarket in Columbus Park for 25 years, and offers small fruits, vegetables, cider, baked goods, jams, beef and pork. Visit farmer Fred at the greenmarket every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. New York City's Greenmarket program is operated by GrowNYC

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-61631123905532248712010-05-06T15:57:00.004-04:002010-05-27T15:12:46.355-04:00

This weekend, BKLYN DESIGNS will return to DUMBO for its eighth year. If it's anything like last year, many exhibitors will feature sustainable designs. A lot of buzz has been generated surrounding Red Hook-based Uhuru Design’s new Coney Island Line, created from wood reclaimed from the demolished Coney boardwalk. Pieces in the line include the Cyclone Lounger (above), made to mimic the structure

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-38359836644554891382010-05-06T12:05:00.001-04:002010-05-06T12:05:51.165-04:00

Last Friday was Arbor Day, and to commemorate the holiday, New York Restoration Project founder Bette Midler (above, center) joined NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and 100 MillionTreesNYC corporate volunteers (sponsors were The Home Depot Foundation, Toyota and BNP Paribas) to plant trees in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Photo by Amanda Schwab / Starpix Back to homepage

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-42592757839616174432010-05-05T16:12:00.002-04:002010-05-05T16:13:23.234-04:00

This week, May 1 through May 9, is NYC Wildflower Week, designed to encourage people to engage and connect with the parks and natural areas in all 5 boroughs. There are over 45 events scheduled throughout the week. Click here to see the complete list.  Back to homepage

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-15320961365601764742010-05-04T17:56:00.001-04:002010-05-04T17:58:08.243-04:00

In 1945, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden started the Daffodil Bridge Party, selling several varieties of plants to bring people to the garden and make some money at the same time. The plant sale grew even as bridge parties went out of style, moving to Magnolia Plaza, the Lily Pool Terrace and to Cherry Esplanade, where it is today.Now, the Plant Sale at the Brooklyn Botanic

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-49129577521422270082010-04-23T16:35:00.001-04:002010-05-04T17:57:54.584-04:00

Mayor Michael Bloomberg commemorated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in Times Square by launching a public process to update PlaNYC — discussing the need to develop a comprehensive, sustainable approach to solid waste. This approach builds on the City’s solid waste management plan and recycling program by including a far-reaching strategy to encourage New Yorkers to generate less waste, reuse

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-87583666078245970772010-04-23T16:23:00.001-04:002010-04-23T16:24:09.553-04:00

This weekend, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the first “green” museum in the city — thanks to its LEED silver certification — will hold its “Celebrate Earth!” Earth Day weekend festival.There will be an “Eco-Fair” on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other activities on both days include bark painting, learning about composting and go on an “aquatic safari.” Visit

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-41071637662397195132010-04-22T10:28:00.001-04:002010-04-22T12:20:11.550-04:00

Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, created in 1970 by Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson to encourage people to appreciate the planet and the environment. So say "no, thank you" to that plastic bag, recycle those bottles and cans, visit your local Greenmarket, and happy Earth Day! Visit the recently-opened Brooklyn Bridge Park if you have a chance — the lawns at Pier 1, which were

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-51608005988880471482010-04-21T13:15:00.001-04:002010-04-21T13:16:32.964-04:00

Every year since 1970, thanks to an idea by then-Sen. Gaylord Nelson, we’ve celebrated Earth Day on April 22. As eco-consciousness spreads, Earth Day has expanded into Earth Week, and even Earth Month. Below is a sampling of Earth events coming up throughout the borough: Thursday, April 22 (Earth Day)Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Ave, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Green in BKLYN’s B-Earth Day

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-75856784701841807612010-04-19T15:52:00.002-04:002010-04-21T13:17:25.210-04:00

This Sunday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Lower East Side Ecology Center and the Cobble Hill Association will host an electronics recycling day at the P.S. 29 schoolyard, on Baltic Street between Clinton and Henry streets. Recycle unwanted or broken electronics: computers, printers, scanners, fax machines, copiers, network devices, keyboards, mice, cables, hard drives, CD-ROMs, circuit

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-80313341155914787482010-04-16T10:15:00.008-04:002010-04-16T10:20:35.928-04:00

I recently interviewed Bed-Stuy artist Chris Spadazzi at his studio at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, who works with styrofoam he collects from the East and Hudson rivers. "For anyone who loves the ocean, or nature for that matter, it's terrible to see how we've irreversibly polluted our environment. The foam pieces are just tangible evidence," he said. Spadazzi is pictured above with his current

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-64495075707282561522010-04-15T09:11:00.003-04:002010-04-16T10:16:30.403-04:00

Today (April 15), bring your favorite travel mug into your local Starbucks to get a free brewed coffee. Watch a video of thousands of New Yorkers trading coffee cups for mugs in March here and take the pledge to save forests. Now other countries around the world are joining in. Back to homepage

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-12938498213923699732010-04-14T15:48:00.001-04:002010-04-14T15:49:09.191-04:00

This Saturday, as reported in the New York Times Local blog, James Cameron will be visiting Brooklyn Technical High School to present the first annual "Avatar Award." The student who gives the best two-to-three minute speech on how to best apply the environmental lessons from the blockbuster film will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Cameron will also give a presentation on environmental issues

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-67493182364251332092010-04-14T15:03:00.001-04:002010-04-14T15:04:37.043-04:00

I had a chance to stop by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden this morning, where Hanami, or the Cherry Blossom viewing season, is in full force. Flowers and plants are blooming all over the garden. It's open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. Back to homepage

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-21191193539035828392010-04-07T17:54:00.002-04:002010-04-16T10:16:22.005-04:00

On Saturday, April 17 and Sunday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill and the FAB Alliance, in partnership with MillionTreesNYC and the New York Restoration Project, will be giving away 200 free trees at the “Putnam Triangle” in Clinton Hill (Fulton Street and Grand Avenue).All trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. All you need is a place to

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-79987644008757619012010-04-06T12:29:00.001-04:002010-04-06T12:30:17.303-04:00

Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) received a $250,000 grant from National Grid for Project Green Reach, which provides hands-on lessons in science and botany for Brooklyn’s Title I schools, many with large numbers of children from low-income families. Project Green Reach annually serves 2,500 students in grades K through 8 and 80 teachers. The grant is part of National Grid’s “Engineering Our Future”

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-88548639588570396622010-03-26T15:03:00.002-04:002010-03-26T15:05:56.290-04:00

Thursday night was the first of four workshops hosted by the DOT in collaboration with the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) and the Regional Planning Association to hash out details for the 14-mile route with community members. It was held at Borough Hall in Downtown Brooklyn.“We had a high-energy, productive workshop,” said BGI co-founder Meg Fellerath in an e-mail message. She explained that

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-16898084948064377272010-03-23T18:24:00.001-04:002010-03-23T18:28:46.760-04:00

This Saturday March 27, at 8:30 p.m. local time, join millions of people around the world to take action and send a message about climate change by participating in Earth Hour. Started by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to raise awareness about climate change, Earth Hour is a way to demonstrate how working together can have a positive impact. Last year, almost one billion people in more than 4,000

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-58163900263028503882010-03-17T18:27:00.005-04:002010-03-17T18:36:07.067-04:00

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it will host a series of community workshops on the future of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway — a planned 14-mile bicycle and pedestrian path stretching from Sunset Park to Greenpoint. When finished, it will connect many existing parks and public open spaces along the waterfront. With funding from Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, the

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-74804342869942405472010-03-15T18:19:00.001-04:002010-03-15T18:20:15.093-04:00

Local eco-superheroes the Brooklyn Green Team have started a new eco-challenge, this time geared toward urban gardening. Don't know how to start a garden? Think you can't start one in your apartment? Visit the green team's blog for resources and tips. Back to homepage

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-84661110383180787852010-03-11T13:34:00.001-05:002010-03-11T13:35:38.026-05:00

Last Thursday at the Bay Ridge Manor, Senator Marty Golden recognized residents of the neighborhood who performed exceptional community services in 2009. Among the honorees were David Marangio (right) and Larry Benner (middle), pictured here with Sen. Golden (left), coordinators of the Bay Ridge Food Co-op. They have been working tirelessly to start the co-op, which as of right now does not yet

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179113156353475401.post-17592234012806240572010-03-10T18:28:00.003-05:002010-03-11T12:18:13.988-05:00

Upon hearing the name “Council on the Environment of New York City,” many people assume the organization is a city agency. Still others aren’t aware that this organization has been responsible for the city’s greenmarkets since the very first one opened in 1976. Because of these problems, said spokesperson Amanda Gentile, the Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC) underwent an almost

Sarah Tobolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247138631691891509noreply@blogger.com0